According to the National Pork Board of Des Moines, Iowa, America's favorite cut of pork today is the pork chop, so you could (almost) say that knowing how to make pork chops is your civic duty! Chops can come from different areas of the pig, which is why there are varieties such as rib chops, sirloin chops and blade chops. Boneless top loin chops with a thickness of 1 1/4 inches are sometimes also known as "America's Cut" -- another testament to their popularity in the U.S.A.

Pork may be known as "the other white meat," but it doesn't usually top the list when we think of lean protein. We can probably thank bacon for that, but not all pork is dripping in fat and packed with sodium. Pork loin, for instance, is actually quite lean, low in fat, carbs and calories. Learning how to bake a pork loin can add a nice punch of variety and flavor to your diet whether you're watching your weight, trying to eat more healthfully or just looking for interesting new options for your usual dinner rotation.